Norwich council puts police bond on ballot

Calling it a plan that is “fully thought out and developed,” the Norwich City Council on Monday approved putting a $33.4 million bond on November’s ballot that would pay for a new downtown police station.

Calling it a plan that is “fully thought out and developed,” the Norwich City Council on Monday approved putting a $33.4 million bond on November’s ballot that would pay for a new downtown police station.

“Six months ago, I would not say I was in favor of a new police station right this minute, but in looking at the nature of the project and location of the building, I think this makes an awful lot of sense, and we would be hard-pressed to find a better spot to put a new police facility,” Alderman Mark Bettencourt said. “I think it’s certainly a worthwhile project, and, ultimately, voters get the say.”

The council’s 6-1 vote sets the stage for what Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro Sr. said “will be the most important decision for the department now and into the future.” He, Mayor Peter Nystrom and other proponents have spent weeks traveling the city on a marketing campaign aimed at drumming up support for the plan, which would clear the way for a 57,000-square-foot complex built at 2-6 Cliff St., including a $5 million multi-level parking garage.

“We’re asking the public to make the decision, and I think that’s really important,” Nystrom said. “We’re giving you the highest level of volume you can exercise, by voting.”

Speakers split

Residents offered mixed opinions about the idea during a public hearing prior to Monday’s vote.

“To put a $33 million police station downtown at this time is totally absurd,” Timothy Wawrzynowicz said. “My taxes went up $2,000 with no improvements, so you can imagine what they’ll be if this thing comes to order.”

Alderman Tucker Braddock — who cast the lone no vote, as he did last month when the council approved a $100,000 nonrefundable deposit to hold the property ahead of the referendum — said the price tag was too steep for an economically depressed community such as Norwich.

“I feel very insecure asking for a vote that is going to be spending that amount of money in this time frame,” Braddock said. “We are a distressed community reaching for the state to help us with our schools. We have a number of people who are having trouble paying their taxes and are just barely getting by.”

Resident Ira Misenheimer said he’s willing to foot the bill to ensure Norwich’s public safety needs are met for the next 50 years, the estimated life span of the planned facility.

“I certainly am one of those people who chokes on the dust when I open my wallet, but there are certain things the city must provide for. Pushing forward with a new police department is the right thing to do,” he said. “Don’t wait another minute to do this.”

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Nystrom said Monday city leaders will pursue “alternative means of funding” to keep public costs down, but he offered an emotional endorsement for the plan.

“Downtown needs a lift, and it’s not going to come from a box store or big name,” he said. “It’s got to come from ourselves.”

NPU bond

Also Monday, aldermen voted 7-0 to include a separate $8 million bond that, if approved, would allow Norwich Public Utilities to expand its natural gas service.

“Not only are we asking, but the community is asking,” NPU General Manager John Bilda said. “We have experienced overwhelming appetite by the community we serve to have natural gas as their fuel source of choice.”

Alderwoman Deb Hinchey said she likes the idea, because the repayment would come through future gas revenue and not on the backs of current ratepayers, she said.

“It’s helping to build something bigger in our city without taxpayer exposure,” she said.